Read Online Emily and the Lost City of Urgup by Gerry Hotchkiss - Free Book Online Page B

Hadar and Kadar carried him back to Professor Dasam’s house, where Apera made him tea. When he recovered he told them about the cricket player needing some help. “I’ll bet it was a thief in disguise,” said Emily. “If it was, I think we’ll find them driving to the Lost City, said Witherspoon. “Then we’ll catch them in my Rolls Royce, let’s go,” said Dasam. They put their luggage in the trunk, together with three extra Gerry cans of petrol as they called gasoline. Professor Dasam drove off, letting the driver recover in a back seat.
    Halfway to the Lost City, the stolen roadster began sputtering and then stopped right in the middle of the road. “It’s empty, you fools,” said Smiley, “we should have checked the fuel gauge.” They climbed out of the roadster and pushed it to the side of the road.
    Half an hour later a truck was seen approaching. “Nutts,” said Smiley, “flag him down.” Nutts stood in the middle of the road waving a soiled handkerchief. The truck seemed not to notice as it barreled down the road straight at Nutts, who stood his ground as he had been told. At the last second the truck lurched to the left side of the road and screeched to a stop. An angry Arab got down, screaming at Nutts. Smiley and Rutts and Butts tackled the Arab and tied him up to the roadster with cords from his own clothes. Then they got in the truck and drove off.
    Hours later the professors, Emily, her guards and the driver came upon the roadster sitting at the side of the road. An Arab was squatting, tied up next to its front bumper. Dasam spoke to him and got a hasty description of the four thieves and the Arab’s truck. They untied him and put him in the Rolls Royce. The driver filled the roadster with gasoline from two of the Gerry cans and he and Witherspoon got in and followed the Rolls Royce towards the Lost City.
    It was late at night when they arrived. The full moon shone on the gate posts and nearby they spotted an empty truck. “Allah, Allah,” cried the Arab who ran to his truck and began inspecting it inside and outside. He was agitated when he spoke to Professor Dasam. “The poor man has had all his belongings, his money and his tools stolen,” explained Dasam. “I shall reimburse him since it is really our concern that has caused all of this.” He gave the man a large sum of money which seemed to please the Arab who embraced Dasam and bowed several times before returning to his truck.
    The Rolls Royce and roadster drove through the gates into the Lost City. Several workers were dispatched to keep a close eye on the two cars. Tents were set up but the travelers were too tired to eat. They all washed and went to bed for a well deserved sleep.
    A bright sun awoke Emily early. She dressed quickly and went to inspect how much work had been done to unearth the palace. “Emily,” a stern voice called out, “have you already forgotten something?” She turned to see Professor Witherspoon outside of his tent still in his pajamas. “Where are Hadar and Kadar, your guards?” he asked. With that Emily spied the two men hastily arranging their garments while they were running towards her. “I’m very sorry, please excuse me,” Emily blurted out. “From, now on, if you wish to stay here, you must be sure Hadar and Kadar are nearby,” admonished the professor.
    That day Emily turned around every few minutes to be sure the guards were nearby. It took away some of the excitement she felt. Kadar approached her with a very large smile. “Little one,” he said, “you needn’t look for us all the time. Just when you get up. Once you have seen us, we’ll stay close by without spoiling your day seeking us.” “Thank you, Kadar,” she answered.
    Two thirds of the palace was now unearthed. It was not unlike others she had seen pictures of in the Museum in Cairo. The upper stories had friezes, stone pictures, of men and women in various activities, sewing, riding chariots, writing on tablets,